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Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!'s tapas, pintxos, paella & more. - Café Ba-Ba-Reeba, Chicago, IL

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8 (9901)
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
2024 North Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

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A photo of Café Ba-Ba-Reeba restaurant

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
Lincoln Park

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 201 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Lively
  • Neighbourhood gem
Located on Halsted Street in the heart of Lincoln Park, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! is Chicago’s original tapas bar, serving authentic Spanish cuisine since 1985. Centrally located near the Lincoln Park Zoo, DePaul University, and Chicago's lakefront, the restaurant is known for the energetic, welcoming atmosphere that has made it a neighborhood staple for decades.

The kitchen, led by Executive Chef Eric Jorgensen, serves a classic menu of Spanish Tapas and Pintxos meant for passing around the table. Signature dishes include sizzling Patatas Bravas, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Baked Goat Cheese, and traditional Valencian paella.

The restaurant features daily happy hour from 4 PM to 6 PM, weekend brunch, classic house sangria, Spanish wines, and craft cocktails. The space also includes private dining options for groups and hosts ticketed events like live Flamenco Shows and Paella Demos.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri 11:30–23:00 Sat 10:00–23:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Sun 10:00–21:00 Happy Hour Daily 16:00–18:00
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Eric Jorgensen
  • Catering
    At Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! we can accommodate groups of 10 to 50 in our private and semi-private rooms. Lettuce create something extraordinary with you using our variety of tapas, paella and sangria! Cater a private party at the restaurant, in the comfort of your home or office, or even aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises. We are happy to help you create a menu for your guests. To view all of the different options available to you visit cafebabareeba.com or to book your party, call our Special Events Department at (773) 935-5000.
  • Private party facilities
    Contact us to learn about our indoor private party dining options. We also offer carryout and off-premise catering, including aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises during the summer months. Please visit cafebabareeba.com to fill out our inquiry form, or call our Special Events Team at (773) 935-5000.
  • Private party contact
    Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Parties Team: (773) 935-5000
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Area
    Lincoln Park
  • Cross street
    Armitage
  • Parking Details
    Free and paid street parking is available on Halsted, and around the corner along Armitage. We also offer valet at $15, cash only.
  • Public transport
    Brown Line - Armitage Halsted bus (route #8) - Armitage stop Armitage bus (route #73) - Halsted stop
  • Entertainment
    Reservations for our Flamenco Dinner Shows, Paella Cooking Demos, Wine Tastings, and other special events can be made by contacting the restaurant directly at (773) 935-5000. For a full list of events, please visit cafebabareeba.com and click on "events."
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

All Experiences

  • Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Flamenco Show

    USD 40.00 per person

    Prepaid

    1 - 20 people

    16 Nov 2026 only
    6:00 pm
    Mix your passion for paella, tapas, and sangria with a passionate performance of flamenco! On Monday, November 16, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! invites you to a special Flamenco Show from 6-8pm. Revel in the featured flamenco troupe’s contemporary take on the classic art form as you enjoy your favorite pintxos, tapas, and beverages from our full dining menu. The event price is $42 per person plus tax, and the price of your meal (tax and gratuity not included). Raise a glass of sangria as you cheer “¡Ole!” to an evening filled with Spanish bites, beverages, and dancing.
    Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Flamenco Show photo

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Videos

Shared by creators who recently dined at this restaurant.

  • Profile image

    mon_amie_brie

    Hook: How to eat like a queen in Lincoln Park on a budget. 👑🏙️ Step 1: Get to @cafebabareeba during happy hour! Step 2: Order a pitcher of Sangria (or two, no judgment). Step 3: Feast on enough tapas to feed a small village. Step 4: Check the tab and realize you can still afford rent. 🥂🙌 It’s a Chicago classic for a reason. Who’s joining? #chicagofoodguide #lincolnparkchicago #happyhourchicago #tapasandwine #chicagofoodies

  • Profile image

    sherriesavorsthecity

    ✨🍹Happy 40 years to @cafebabareeba! Still my favorite spot for tapas in the city. I’ve been coming here for years, for celebrations big and small, last-minute dinners that turned into late nights, and meals that always felt familiar in the best way. Some places don’t chase trends, they just stay consistently good. Warm, lively, comforting, and always a place you can count on. Chicago is lucky to have spots like this, and this one will always have a special place in my heart. Here’s to 40 years of memories, shared plates, and many more to come. #cafebabareeba #40yearsanniversary #chicagotapas #lincolnparkchicago #sherriesavorsthecity

  • Profile image

    mon_amie_brie

    🍽️ If you’re coming to Chicago this summer, your first stop has to be brunch or dinner or happy hour (your pick!) at @cafebabareeba in Lincoln Park! 🍷 Must try: ✨ bacon wrapped dates (two versions) ✨ Brussels sprouts salad ✨ patatas bravas ✨ sangria flight - black raspberry + white peach are always good - ask about seasonal flavors ✨ truffle cake! Sangria • tapas • bacon • Spanish food • Lincoln Park • Chicago things to do • Chicago restaurants • Chicago foodies • brunch • group lunch • dinner • happy hour • jamon

  • Profile image

    ourlittlefood

    Looking for an excellent night out with the girls? Then @cafebabareeba ! is the place for you! Serving up delicious tapas and small plates with cheap bites, their happy hour is where it’s at! We tried just about all of their happy hour items, with our favorites being the Cana de Cabral cheese, garlic potato salad, bacon wrapped dates, shishito peppers, crystal bread, and patatas bravas. And don’t forget their house made sangria for just $5.50 a glass! Our favorites being dish of the night was their chorizo wrapped date, which added something special over their traditional bacon wrapped date! For dessert we got both treats from the regular menu, the chocolate truffle cake and the butterscotch custard, only $5 each! Let us just say that the custard was absolutely a must! Make Cafe Baba-Reeba! your next happy hour spot! #chicagohummingbirds #newbird #partnership #chicagofoodie #happyhourchicago @hummingbirdshq

  • Profile image

    mon_amie_brie

    📍 CAFÉ BA-BA-REEBA // Lincoln Park, Chicago Looking for a great place that everyone enjoys?! @cafebabareeba is it! It’s small plates/tapas style and everyone shares. We had so many different dishes! Maybe only you or one other person wants scallops? No problem! Maybe 6 people want it? Order multiple! The sangria flavors are so refreshing and not overly sweet like at some other places. These are high quality! My absolute favorites would be: •chorizo wrapped date •bacon wrapped dates •Moroccan chickpea stew •goat cheese baked in tomato sauce •shaved Brussels sprouts salad •black raspberry or white peach sangria •beef empanada •Ibérico ham croquetas •chocolate truffle cake Every plate went back to the kitchen empty! This is a great place for group, especially girls night. We had such a blast! 💥 🌸🍷🍽️🍤🥘🧀 🇪🇸 #tapas #tapasbar #chicago #chicagorestaurants #lincolnpark #greatforgroups #familydinner #girlsnight #ladiesnight #sangria

Videos are powered by Seekeasy. How this content is generated

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Café Ba-Ba-Reeba.

4.8

4.8
(9901)
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Tapas / Small Plates

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Cafe Ba Ba Reeba enchants diners with "consistently one of the best places" for dinner, offering "amazing food and impeccable service." Renowned for its lively atmosphere, "delicious paella," and "fantastic sangria," this Chicago gem is perfect for "celebrations" and "fun nights out." A must-visit for tapas lovers.
9,901 Reviews
  1. Corey

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 4 October 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The hostesses did not offer the best customer service. It’s ok to have a table not be ready but the way the information is delivered matters. We were seated in a corner that was so crowded and the floors were so slippery. We have ate here many times. This may be our last. The food is always good.
    Café Ba-Ba-ReebaResponded on 5 October 2026
    Dear Corey, I'm so sorry to hear of your recent less than acceptable experience with us, especially in regards to the service you received. We always try to exceed our guests' expectations but unfortunately, sometimes fall short. Would you be willing to provide your contact information so I can have one of our managers get in touch? We truly appreciate your feedback; thank you. Chris B.

    Is this helpful?

  2. MARIA

    Chicago / Illinois5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 3 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love tapas, it is a fun way to try different types of food

    Is this helpful?

  3. Olatunji

    Chicago / Illinois3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 3 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Valet parking was helpful. Great service, and great delicious food options!

    Is this helpful?

  4. kelly

    Cleveland / Akron / Canton1 review

    1.0

    Dined on 2 October 2026

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Food was just ok at best… Skip the scallops & beef tenderloin. Go for the patella and Moroccan chick peas. They were delicious.
    Café Ba-Ba-ReebaResponded on 4 October 2026
    Dear Kelly, I'm so sorry to hear of your recent less than acceptable experience with us, especially in regards to some of our signature dishes. We always try to exceed our guests' expectations but unfortunately, sometimes fall short. Would you be willing to provide your contact information so I can have one of our managers get in touch? We truly appreciate your feedback; thank you. Chris B.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Samantha

    Chicago / Illinois6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 2 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent birthday dinner! Do valet, parking otherwise is difficult. Hopping on a Thursday night, good for parties but not if you are looking for quiet conversation :-)

    Is this helpful?

  6. Elizabeth Gold

    Chicago / Illinois42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great very popular place small ideas nice drinks cozy.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Masayori

    Chicago / Illinois4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 30 September 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Even though I wasn't very familiar with Spanish cuisine, the staff understood my preferences and provided service that allowed me to enjoy my meal with peace of mind.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Carlos

    Las Vegas8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 30 September 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always the best everything fresh and excellent services

    Is this helpful?

  9. Maria

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 29 September 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been coming to Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba for over 30 years, and our experience has been alway pleasant. The food is delicious and the service is great!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Gretchen Gold

    Cincinnati / Dayton1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 28 September 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food Great server Every dish was delicious

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Spanish, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 16:00–21:00 Fri 11:30–23:00 Sat 10:00–23:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 Sun 10:00–21:00 Happy Hour Daily 16:00–18:00
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Eric Jorgensen
  • Catering
    At Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! we can accommodate groups of 10 to 50 in our private and semi-private rooms. Lettuce create something extraordinary with you using our variety of tapas, paella and sangria! Cater a private party at the restaurant, in the comfort of your home or office, or even aboard Chicago's First Lady Cruises. We are happy to help you create a menu for your guests. To view all of the different options available to you visit cafebabareeba.com or to book your party, call our Special Events Department at (773) 935-5000.
  • Private party facilities
    Contact us to learn about our indoor private party dining options. We also offer carryout and off-premise catering, including aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises during the summer months. Please visit cafebabareeba.com to fill out our inquiry form, or call our Special Events Team at (773) 935-5000.
  • Private party contact
    Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Parties Team: (773) 935-5000
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Area
    Lincoln Park
  • Cross street
    Armitage
  • Parking Details
    Free and paid street parking is available on Halsted, and around the corner along Armitage. We also offer valet at $15, cash only.
  • Public transport
    Brown Line - Armitage Halsted bus (route #8) - Armitage stop Armitage bus (route #73) - Halsted stop
  • Entertainment
    Reservations for our Flamenco Dinner Shows, Paella Cooking Demos, Wine Tastings, and other special events can be made by contacting the restaurant directly at (773) 935-5000. For a full list of events, please visit cafebabareeba.com and click on "events."
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

For a particularly fun, well-paced visit, plan for weekend brunch, guests repeatedly call the weekend brunch outstanding, and the bar is a lively spot during the restaurant’s daily 4–6 PM happy hour.

Weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am–3:00 pm) is a guest favorite, reviewers praise the brunch paella, patatas bravas and sangria for a lively, celebratory meal.

Yes, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba offers private dining options and event services, and the restaurant hosts ticketed events like live Flamenco shows and paella demonstrations.

Expect Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba to be bustling at peak visits, guests frequently note packed, slammed nights and lively happy-hour crowds, so a reservation is a good idea.

Patatas Bravas is a standout, it's listed among the restaurant's signature dishes and repeatedly praised by guests.

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba has an energetic, lively tapas‑bar spirit, warm, buzzing, and great for groups and celebrations, with private rooms and a covered patio available for different needs.

Yes, Cafe Ba Ba Reeba runs a daily happy hour (posted 4–6 PM), offers weekend brunch, and stages ticketed experiences like live Flamenco shows and paella demos.

Yes, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba publishes a dedicated Gluten Free Menu with several paellas, hot and cold tapas, and gluten-free beer options.

Yes, families are welcome: there’s a dedicated Kids Menu, and guests report staff seating families thoughtfully and serving kids’ food promptly.

Open Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm; Fri 11:30 am–11:00 pm; Sat 10:00 am–11:00 pm; Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm; Sun 10:00 am–9:00 pm. Daily Happy Hour 4:00 pm–6:00 pm.

Portions are meant for sharing, guests commonly describe the paellas and many tapas as generous, with paella often large enough to leave leftovers.

Yes, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba has a covered patio where guests have enjoyed dining and pitchers of sangria.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Lincoln Park

Make a booking

A photo of Café Ba-Ba-Reeba restaurant

Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

4.8
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
Lincoln Park

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 201 times today
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